2025 Ribbon Vale Vintage

The 2024/25 growing season at Ribbon Vale progressed steadily and without major disruption, allowing both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to ripen in a measured and unforced manner. Calendar year rainfall in 2024 totalled 910mm, below the long-term average of 1012mm, but sufficient to establish adequate soil moisture reserves in this dry-grown vineyard.

Spring conditions were ideal. During flowering, Chardonnay received 14.4mm of rainfall and Sauvignon Blanc 9.4mm. While rainfall at this stage of the season can influence crop levels, these modest falls occurred under otherwise favourable conditions and had no negative impact on fruit set. Final yields reflected this, with Chardonnay cropping at 6.37 tonnes per hectare and Elsa at 7.75 tonnes per hectare.

As the season moved into summer, temperatures remained moderate, with no prolonged heat events. The growing season average temperature for Elsa was 20.42°C, effectively identical to the long-term average of 20.43°C, while Chardonnay recorded a slightly cooler-than-average growing season at 20.07°C compared with its long-term average of 20.36°C.

From the beginning of January through to harvest, 22.8mm of rain was recorded. This modest rainfall ensured the vines were not subject to water stress during the latter part of ripening, while remaining low enough to avoid dilution. Ripening progressed evenly, with Elsa completing its cycle in 101 days from flowering to harvest, closely aligned with its long-term average of 100 days. Ribbon Vale Chardonnay recorded 120 days from flowering to harvest, consistent with its long-term average.

Harvest timing differed slightly between the two wines. Elsa was harvested seven days later than its long-term average, reflecting the even pace of ripening, while Ribbon Vale Chardonnay was harvested two days earlier than average, consistent with timely flavour development.

Taken together, the season was defined by consistency rather than extremes. Favourable spring conditions established solid yields, followed by a mild summer that allowed for steady, uninterrupted ripening. Rainfall was sufficient to support vine function without compromising concentration, and harvest timings were closely aligned with long-term averages. The wines show good balance and structure, in line with what we would expect from these conditions.